LEADS Act

Law Enforcement Access to Data Stored Abroad Act

The LEADS Act updates privacy law and preserves the U.S. tech industry’s access to overseas markets. Its passage will ensure that law enforcement has the tools needed to execute search warrants in a manner that respects user privacy and the sovereignty of host nations.

ACT | The App Association member companies LEADS Act support letter

The following companies ask Members of Congress to cosponsor the LEADS Act to clarify existing privacy law and ensure that U.S. tech companies can compete overseas on a level playing field. Read the full text of the letter here.

Coalition Letter of Support

ACT | The App Association joins a broad coalition of technology companies and associations that have lent support for the LEADS Act. Companies of all sizes depend on American internet companies to succeed in the global economy. Passage of the LEADS Act will strengthen consumer privacy rights, clearly define the framework for law enforcement, and allow American technology companies to continue innovating.

LEADS Act panel with Reps. Marino and DelBene

Reps. Marino and DelBene spoke about their introduction of LEADS Act at an event hosted by ACT | The App Association on Friday, February 27.

Following remarks from the bill sponsors, panelists from ACT | The App Association, IBM, NAM, and Rackspace discussed why passage of the LEADS Act is critical for the tech and manufacturing industries.

ACT | The App Association Letters of Support

ACT | The App Association applauds Reps. Marino and DelBene, and Senators Hatch, Coons, and Heller for their leadership on issues facing the tech community and is proud to lend strong support for the LEADS Act. The legislation brings long overdue clarity to the treatment of stored communications, and protects individual privacy rights on a global scale.

Amicus Brief in Second Circuit Warrant Case

There is a case winding its way through the courts that illuminates the critical need for digital privacy reform through the LEADS Act. In U.S. vs. Microsoft Corporation, the Department of Justice claims it can legally access personal data stored anywhere in the world by an American company. In turn, the government is compelling U.S. companies to break the law of countries where they have overseas operations.

ACT | The App Association, BSA | The Software Alliance, Center for Democracy and Technology, Chamber of Commerce of the United States, The National Association of Manufacturers filed a joint amicus brief with the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in support of Microsoft’s position.